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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Increasing The Vocabulary Acquisition Rate For Third Grade English Language Learners, Jennifer Dawn Pendergrass Jan 2017

Increasing The Vocabulary Acquisition Rate For Third Grade English Language Learners, Jennifer Dawn Pendergrass

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Given the ongoing demographic transformations of U.S classrooms, knowledge of the strategies teachers use to address the vocabulary needs of English language learners (ELLs) is central for improving student outcomes. The problem in a Georgia school system was that ELLs were not building grade-level appropriate vocabulary at a pace comparable to that of their peers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify strategies that increase the rate of vocabulary acquisition for ELLs. In this study, 10 third grade teachers were asked about their understanding of the second language vocabulary acquisition process, which vocabulary strategies they were using to …


The Needs Of Custodial Grandparents In Helping Their Grandchildren Experience School Success, Rex Sawyer Ward Jan 2017

The Needs Of Custodial Grandparents In Helping Their Grandchildren Experience School Success, Rex Sawyer Ward

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

At a local middle school, twice as many students were being reared by their grandparents than in each of the other 3 schools in the study district. Most of these students were experiencing academic and social issues; increased understanding of the issue was needed to address these problems. Using a phenomenological approach, this project study explored the lived experiences of grandparents of skipped-generation households and school employees who interact daily with skipped-generation households. Epstein's theory of parental involvement undergirded this study, and semistructured interviews were used to gather data from 15 grandparents and 15 school employees. Interviews were transcribed, open …


Examining The Barriers To The Continuing Education Of Early Childhood Teacher Assistants, Colleen Louise Wright Jan 2017

Examining The Barriers To The Continuing Education Of Early Childhood Teacher Assistants, Colleen Louise Wright

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 required teacher assistants (TAs) to obtain their child development associate (CDA) credential by September of 2015. TAs who had not obtained their CDA within the required timeframe were either demoted or terminated from their positions. However, with the increase of working parents, the need for quality early childhood education has risen. In this project study, the barriers TAs confront in regards to their decision to continue their schooling to obtain a CDA credential were examined, as were the factors that deterred or prevented them from enrolling in or completing a …


Middle School Mathematics Teachers' Perspectives On Instructional Practices, Cindy Ziegler Jan 2017

Middle School Mathematics Teachers' Perspectives On Instructional Practices, Cindy Ziegler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In a local middle school, students were not meeting standards on the state mathematics tests. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore mathematics teachers' perspectives on effective mathematics instruction vis-Ã -vis the principles of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Within this framework, the 6 principles in the creation of quality mathematics programs included equity, curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment, and technology. Seven teachers from around the country participated; all met the criteria of a graduate degree in education, at least 5 years of experience teaching adolescent learners, and at least 3 years teaching mathematics. Participants were …


French Speaking Students' Challenges In Academic Literacy At International University Of Grand-Bassam, Cote D'Ivoire, Laurent Bassa Jan 2017

French Speaking Students' Challenges In Academic Literacy At International University Of Grand-Bassam, Cote D'Ivoire, Laurent Bassa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

International University of Grand-Bassam (IUGB) first opened its doors in Cote d'Ivoire, in a sociocultural context where a significant number of freshmen students were French speakers. Because the instructional language was English, students were faced with a language barrier that triggered more issues including difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The purpose of this study was to uncover French speaking students' challenges in academic literacy at IUGB and to suggest some solutions that would benefit students and instructors. The research questions focused on faculty members' perceptions of French speaking students' challenges in academic literacy, and their suggestions for improving …


Exploring The Performance Of The Financial Service Cooperative Industry In Grenada, Rachael Annette Brown Jan 2017

Exploring The Performance Of The Financial Service Cooperative Industry In Grenada, Rachael Annette Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The 2008 financial crisis impacted the Caribbean financial sector with declining liquidity and profitability, and return on assets falling to 0.7% from 2.6%. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies that credit union executives in Grenada used to consistently maintain profitability. The targeted study population consisted of four credit union executives responsible for operations, administration, and regulations in the financial service cooperative industry in Grenada. The social influence of power theory was the conceptual framework that grounded this study. The data collection process included semistructured interviews and document (annual reports and cooperative society laws) review. Data …


Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Computer-Assisted Instructional Software To Differentiate Instruction, Christopher Garrett Cannon Jan 2017

Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Computer-Assisted Instructional Software To Differentiate Instruction, Christopher Garrett Cannon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many educators struggle to meet the academic needs of students, especially in the subject area of mathematics. Computer-assisted instruction is an instructional strategy used to enhance instruction. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of these software programs for all students. The purpose of this qualitative, embedded, multiple case study was to explore the perceptions of teachers and students using computer-assisted instructional software to differentiate instruction within a general education and special education 4th-grade mathematics classroom. The constructivism theory provided a framework for the topic of differentiated instruction. This study included a single elementary school within a district in …


Soft Skills Needed For The 21st Century Workforce, Susan A. Dean Jan 2017

Soft Skills Needed For The 21st Century Workforce, Susan A. Dean

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Technical skills are no longer enough for workers to compete in this highly competitive global work environment. Soft skills are of paramount importance. A multiple case study design through the lens of emotional intelligence formed the basis of the research study. The focus of the research was identification of the successful soft skills training strategies in the logistics industry. Three logistics organization leaders in the counties of Burlington, Middlesex, and Somerset, New Jersey, were participants in the study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of company documents. Four themes emerged through data analysis of converging multiple data …


A Case Study Of Financial Literacy And Debt Of Immigrants In Lloydminster, Canada, Oludamola Olalere Durodola Jan 2017

A Case Study Of Financial Literacy And Debt Of Immigrants In Lloydminster, Canada, Oludamola Olalere Durodola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The high debt-to-income ratios and the low financial literacy levels among Canadian immigrants are hindering public welfare, macroeconomic policies, and economic growth. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore why immigrants to Lloydminster, Canada possess high debt-to-income ratios in their financial portfolios by examining pertinent themes and patterns between their debt profiles and their financial literacy levels. The life cycle hypothesis, rational choice theory, and bounded rationality theory grounded the study. Data collection from the purposeful sample included semistructured face-to-face interviews with 13 adult immigrants and a focus group discussion with 6 adult immigrants, all of …


The Perceptions Of New Middle School Teachers Regarding Teacher Job Satisfaction, Paula Joan Evans Jan 2017

The Perceptions Of New Middle School Teachers Regarding Teacher Job Satisfaction, Paula Joan Evans

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher attrition has been a problem for school systems for more than 30 years. Large numbers of new teachers leave the profession within their first 5 years of service, creating a significant cost associated with hiring and training of replacement teachers. Attrition is problematic for a middle school in the state of Georgia. New teachers at the school have disclosed that induction did not meet their needs. In addition, the district has experienced budget cutbacks and demographic shifts in the student population, increasing the rate new teachers have left the school. The purpose of this study was to explore and …


Information Technology Training To Promote Collaboration Among Multiple Generations, Gregg Foster Jan 2017

Information Technology Training To Promote Collaboration Among Multiple Generations, Gregg Foster

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The decision to implement information technology (IT) initiatives to enhance collaboration among veterans, baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Fifth Generation employees continues to challenge organizational leaders. The purpose of this nonexperimental study was to identify how the implementation of information technology initiatives, coupled with the knowledge of learning styles, might enhance collaboration among generational cohort employees. The generational cohort theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, and the technology acceptance model were the theoretical frameworks used to develop an understanding of the relationships among the cohorts and the acceptance of technology to enhance collaboration. Data were collected from a …


A Developmental Project Focusing On Young Adult Hispanic-Americans, Tarsicio Gacheru Jan 2017

A Developmental Project Focusing On Young Adult Hispanic-Americans, Tarsicio Gacheru

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reducing diabetes risk among Hispanic-American adults in the United States is a critical public health need and programs targeting young Hispanic-American adults with prediabetes can reduce the risk for developing diabetes. The purpose of this project was twofold: (a) to examine the literature related to diabetes prevention best practices among young adult Hispanic-Americans with prediabetes and (b) create an intervention program to promote these best practices to delay or reverse the trajectory toward diabetes. The inclusion criteria for the literature review were studies with at least a 12-month follow-up and reported outcomes related to changes in diet, increased exercise, and …


Standardized Critical Thinking Tests As A Predictor Of Success In Nursing Programs, Jaimee Kastler Kastler Jan 2017

Standardized Critical Thinking Tests As A Predictor Of Success In Nursing Programs, Jaimee Kastler Kastler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High attrition rates and a nursing shortage across the nation have led schools of nursing to seek out ways to better identify which applicants will be most successful in graduating from the nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Nursing programs have historically included standardized entrance exam scores and prerequisite scores among their admission criteria but have not used standardized critical thinking assessments (CTA), even though critical thinking is an integral part of being a successful nursing professional. Using Astin's input-environment-output (I-E-O) model, the purpose of this retrospective correlational study was to determine whether …


Environmental Relocation Policy As Experienced By One Eastern Missouri Dioxin-Contaminated Community, Susan Annette Olsen Jan 2017

Environmental Relocation Policy As Experienced By One Eastern Missouri Dioxin-Contaminated Community, Susan Annette Olsen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on environmental relocation is scant and narrow, focusing on a few aspects of permanent relocation and social impacts of natural disasters. As a result, little is known about the long term social impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) environmental relocation policy. A combined conceptual and theoretical framework of Walter's placeways; Ullberg's disaster memoryscapes; Richardson's remembrance and memorialization; Dynes' social capital; and, Norris, Stevens, Pfefferbaum, Wyche, and Pfefferbaum's work on community resilience guided this phenomenological study with the purpose of better understanding competing and complementary roles of each of these constructs in the context of environmental relocation of one …


Using Health Literacy To Improve Emergency Department Discharge, Alicia Ortiz Jan 2017

Using Health Literacy To Improve Emergency Department Discharge, Alicia Ortiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patients with limited health literacy often fail to understand verbal and written discharge instructions, and they frequently return to the emergency department (ED) for care. Patients returning to the ED and 30-day readmission rate are core quality performance measures. The purpose of this project was to decrease repeat visits and readmissions to the ED by implementing components of health literacy programs within the ED on patient education and written discharge instructions. Change implementation consisted of (a) use of teach back method (b) modifying medical terminology to language that patient could understand (c) limiting use of words with more than three …


Sustainability Practices That Influence Profitability In The Petroleum Industry, Lionel Bryan Small Jan 2017

Sustainability Practices That Influence Profitability In The Petroleum Industry, Lionel Bryan Small

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Petroleum industries in the U.S. attract increased scrutiny from governmental bodies, businesses, and the civil society for their lack of sustainability practices, such as air emissions control, the use of cleaner fuels, and water pollution mitigation. Although the short-term cost of implementing these practices may be high as stated by a sample of the industry's leaders, long-term benefits include lower business costs and a reduction of the adverse impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. This multiple-case study highlighted the practices of several petroleum industry leaders who demonstrated an exception to these practices-who have been clear thought leaders in …


A Comparative Study Of Elementary Mathematics Specialists And Mathematics Coaches On Fourth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Tiffany D. Tynes Curry Jan 2017

A Comparative Study Of Elementary Mathematics Specialists And Mathematics Coaches On Fourth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Tiffany D. Tynes Curry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Federal dollars are utilized to develop instructional programs for students not demonstrating mathematical proficiency on state standardized mathematics assessments, but there is a lack of empirical data on the effectiveness of two different approaches that were used in the local context. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, casual-comparative study was to determine if state achievement test scores of students in fourth grade who received instruction from a Mathematics Specialist (MS) during the 2007-2009 academic years demonstrated a statistically significant difference from the mathematics state achievement test scores of fourth grade students who received instruction from Grades 1-8 credentialed teachers supported …


Perceptions Of A Suburban School District's High New Music Teacher Attrition Rate, Sarah Martinez Jan 2017

Perceptions Of A Suburban School District's High New Music Teacher Attrition Rate, Sarah Martinez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A high attrition rate exists among new music teachers in a public school district in Central Texas. This problem is mirrored by a high attrition rate of music teachers across the United States. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore reasons for the attrition of music teachers at the study site, to articulate why some new music teachers have left the profession, and to identify supports that could be influential in retaining new music teachers. The study was grounded in Gardner's theory that administrators have the ability to make policy changes that can influence retention and attrition …


Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Assessment And Lifestyle Adjustments In African Americans, Biruk Nigatu Nigatu Jan 2017

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Assessment And Lifestyle Adjustments In African Americans, Biruk Nigatu Nigatu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Multiple studies have indicated a higher burden of overweight/obesity and exposure to environmental toxins, such as alcohol and tobacco smoke, in association with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the African American population. Thus, the purpose of this research was to determine if there was a significant difference in the use of lifestyle adjustments such as moderating alcohol consumption, weight loss, and smoking cessation on the prevalence of CVD in the African American population. The theoretical foundation was social cognitive theory and the social ecological model that posits the interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors. This cross-sectional quantitative …


Teachers' Perceptions On English Language Arts Proficiency Of English Learners, Elaine Michelle Nelson Jan 2017

Teachers' Perceptions On English Language Arts Proficiency Of English Learners, Elaine Michelle Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

English learners (ELs) at a middle school in California were not meeting federal accountability requirements in English language arts (ELA). ELs lacking proficiency in ELA often drop out of high school and live in poverty as adults. The purpose of the study was to examine teachers' perceptions of their self-efficacy to implement effective pedagogical strategies to help ELs develop ELA proficiency. A case study design was used to investigate the problem through the lens of second language acquisition theory. The purposeful sample included 11 middle school language arts teachers. Participants completed an online anonymous survey, and responses were analyzed using …


The Attitudes, Beliefs, And Perceptions Of Classroom Teachers And School Administrators Regarding Corporal Punishment In Rural Texas Schools, Anthony D. Price Jan 2017

The Attitudes, Beliefs, And Perceptions Of Classroom Teachers And School Administrators Regarding Corporal Punishment In Rural Texas Schools, Anthony D. Price

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perspectives that classroom teachers and school administrators have regarding corporal punishment as an alternative method to correct or change negative classroom behaviors. With the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, schools have been forced to identify instructional and administrative practices that will increase student achievement while decreasing students' negative classroom behaviors. Negative classroom behaviors among students can interfere with the learning process and impede teachers' instructional delivery. The theories of Piaget and Kohlberg provided a conceptual basis for understanding the behaviors and developmental changes of school-age children. …


Coping Strategies Of Alternatively Certified Teachers In An Urban U.S. School District, Paula Stanton Stanton Jan 2017

Coping Strategies Of Alternatively Certified Teachers In An Urban U.S. School District, Paula Stanton Stanton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher attrition has continued to be problem across the United States, especially in urban, high-need districts. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify the coping strategies of alternatively certified teachers in urban, high-need schools in order to understand how teachers overcome factors contributing to attrition. Research questions centered on the perceived challenges and stressors of alternatively certified teachers as well as the coping strategies that support their retention. The conceptual framework was based on Bronfenbrenner's theory of ecological development. Criterion sampling was used to identify experienced alternatively prepared teachers who had persisted for at least 4 …


Elementary Literacy Coaching In A Florida School District, Crystal Jacqueline Tessmann Jan 2017

Elementary Literacy Coaching In A Florida School District, Crystal Jacqueline Tessmann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Literacy coaching is a widely implemented method for increasing teacher effectiveness and student learning. However, literacy coaches, teachers, and administrators from various countries have expressed confusion and concerns regarding this method. In the current research setting, literacy coaching was implemented to improve reading test scores with inconsistent results. Cultural historical activity theory was used as the theoretical framework for this sequential explanatory mixed-methods research that explored literacy coaching relationships in the research site from the teachers' perspectives. Phase 1 research questions examined (a) differences between the amount of time coaches spent with teachers, (b) components of coaching teachers found most/least …


Differences In Perceived Constraints Of Telework Utilization Among Teleworkers And Office Workers, Yolanda West Jan 2017

Differences In Perceived Constraints Of Telework Utilization Among Teleworkers And Office Workers, Yolanda West

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 37% of the U.S. labor force currently works from a remote location. Costs and competition are driving organizations to increase the use of telework among remote workplaces. Increasing organizational knowledge of the perceptions of current teleworkers could increase its adoption by employees and improve its implementation by managers. The purpose of this research was to test hypotheses regarding the perceived levels of telework efficiency, social interaction, and technical support to determine in those perceptions differed between teleworkers and office workers. Goldratt's Theory of Constraints framed the quantitative research design. A purposive sample of 54 teleworkers and office workers in …


Diversifying Funds To Enhance Financial Sustainability Of A County Library System, Francis Adetokunboh Adebola-Wilson Jan 2017

Diversifying Funds To Enhance Financial Sustainability Of A County Library System, Francis Adetokunboh Adebola-Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Existing research has focused on the financial challenges affecting public libraries and how to improve library efficiency and funding. However, it is unknown how financial diversification could improve the economic fortunes of public libraries. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the unique structural, legal, and operational dynamics associated with adopting a financial diversification strategy in the Clayton County Library System (CCLS), Georgia, and to explore what would support or hinder the implementation of such a strategy. Using modern portfolio theory, the research explored how the CCLS could diversify its funding sources. A qualitative single-case study was conducted to …


The Relationship Between Ethical Leadership And Sustainability In Small Businesses, David Amisano Jan 2017

The Relationship Between Ethical Leadership And Sustainability In Small Businesses, David Amisano

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the 2008 financial crisis, business leaders' ethical behaviors have been under scrutiny. These leaders face uncertainty regarding ethical leadership behaviors and their impact. Because small business leadership involves multiple facets of behavior and decision-making, small business leaders may have an insufficient understanding of the impact of ethical leadership behaviors on the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and financial, social, and environmental sustainability in small businesses. Integrated social contracts theory was the theoretical framework. The participants consisted of 80 members of a chamber of commerce located in …


Emergency Medical Service Career Longevity: Impact Of Alignment Between Preemployment Expectations And Postemployment Perceptions, Michael Joseph Belotto Jan 2017

Emergency Medical Service Career Longevity: Impact Of Alignment Between Preemployment Expectations And Postemployment Perceptions, Michael Joseph Belotto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate whether there were differences between the preconceived notions of emergency medical technicians and paramedics prior to entering the profession and their notions of the vocation after facing the realities of the job. The contribution of alignment or misalignment to job satisfaction and the intention to leave the profession was also further investigated. This research is important as there currently is a gap in the literature pertaining to the factors affecting career longevity of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals. The degree of fit between individual and occupational characteristics guided this phenomenological study …


Impact Of Audio Feedback Technology On Writing Instruction, Martha Marie Bless Jan 2017

Impact Of Audio Feedback Technology On Writing Instruction, Martha Marie Bless

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High school writing teacher self-efficacy has suffered because the workload and emotional energy of grading papers is arduous, and despite their efforts to provide formative written feedback, many teachers believe students ignore or misunderstand it. Although audio feedback holds promise for improving the clarity of instructor feedback and the self-efficacy of writing instructors in higher education, its usefulness for improving high school teacher self-efficacy has remained unexplored. This multiple case study investigated how high school teachers believed Kaizena, a digital audio feedback technology, influenced their writing instruction and self-efficacy. Participants, who were drawn from the global Kaizena user base, included …


Influence Of Technology On English Language Learners' Vocabulary, Reading, And Comprehension, Catherine Elizabeth Crum Jan 2017

Influence Of Technology On English Language Learners' Vocabulary, Reading, And Comprehension, Catherine Elizabeth Crum

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have shown that vocabulary development is a challenge for English Language Learners (ELLs) as they are less prepared to use contextual and linguistic clues to decode unfamiliar vocabulary. Beginning in the upper elementary grades, reading in content areas becomes lengthier and more complex. Technology-supported vocabulary instruction to teach social studies to ELLs is a relatively new concept in the 5th grade classroom. The purpose of this comparative study was to assess the vocabulary and reading comprehension outcomes of ELLs in the content area of 5th grade social studies when taught using technology-supported versus traditional textbook instruction. Mayer's cognitive theory …


Teachers' Perceptions Of Professional Development Benefits For Teaching In Inclusive Classrooms, Francene Ramon Garrett Jan 2017

Teachers' Perceptions Of Professional Development Benefits For Teaching In Inclusive Classrooms, Francene Ramon Garrett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a correlation between the professional development that teachers receive and student academic success. It has been shown that knowledgeable teachers have a profound impact on student achievement. Many general and special educators enter the field of education and are placed to teach in inclusive environments with little to no professional development related to inclusion. This placement often adversely impacts the success of students with disabilities on state tests. However, there is limited information on the types of professional development necessary for teaching in inclusion. Guided by Bandura's social cognitive theory, this study explored teachers' perceptions of the types …